Susun has addressed candida before, so I can give you a number of resources of hers that you can go over it. The typical candida diet isn’t something that Susun has found to be helpful, so you will probably find the information below to perhaps be opposite of your diet – although I am not sure exactly what you are following… http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_Mar-02.htm#q2

Susun's Response:

“Every healthy human has candida in their gut. It is one of the most important organisms of the 400 molds, yeasts, bacteria, and fungi that colonize our intestines. Without these microbial helpers we would be unable to digest Any food at all. The problem is not having candida, But not having the other helpers, thus causing the candida to grow. Your diet needs to include high concentrations of fermented foods -- yogurt, miso, sourdough bread, home brewed wine and beer, sauerkraut, and cheeses like camembert and brie -- not to be devoid of them.”

Susun has also talked about candida during her health hotline blogtalk radio show:

Women with chronic infections benefit the most. A dose is ½ gram daily for a month, increasing by ½ gram a month to a maximum of 3 grams daily. A cup of fennel seed or ginger root tea will relieve the severe gas pains that will result from use of maitake.” Pg. 147

You are also welcome to call into the health hotline and discuss it further with Susun directly. She holds the hotline each Tuesday from 7:30pm-9pm Eastern, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed, (646) 929-2463

If you're ready to go deeper with your herbal studies, join Susun on her new Mentorship website. Get new content weekly such as the expanded herbal ezine, replays of teleseminars, videos, audio of Susuns past lectures, many articles by Susun, and even personal one on one mentorship from Susun.www.wisewomanmentor.com

March 03, 2015

I was wondering if you could please help me out? I'm trying to look for queen anne's lace seeds online, but am having trouble identifying the right kind. When I look for daucus carota seeds online, many pages list them as different colors, or call them daucus carota nantes. Could you please help me in this area? I'm looking into using them for contraceptive purposes, and don't want to pick the wrong ones.

Also, if you would be able, I am interested in buying up to a pound of the seeds if you have them available.

Thank you so much for all your help and information.

Blessings, Cynthia

Hi Cynthia,

Susun does not sell products of any kind. You do want to look for the wild carrot seed, nothing colored, no hybrids, etc. Most people I know just harvest from wild… I am afraid we do not have a source for the seeds. Most likely you will have to check out a community board at a local health/herb store if possible, seed exchange boards, etc. Such as this listing: http://www.agriseek.com/market/p/Wild-Carrot-Seeds.htm

If you're ready to go deeper with your herbal studies, join Susun on her new Mentorship website. Get new content weekly such as the expanded herbal ezine, replays of teleseminars, videos, audio of Susuns past lectures, many articles by Susun, and even personal one on one mentorship from Susun.www.wisewomanmentor.com

February 18, 2015

Hi, I'm seeking information on raspberry leaf tea and nettle tea used as a tonic in pregnancy; I am in my first trimester and still nursing my 18.5month old son and I was wondering if it is still safe to consume the above tonics while breastfeeding? Thank you very much and all my green blessings as a green witch sister and initiate to the wise woman ways :)

Hello! Neither herb is on Susun's list of ones to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding... as long as you are doing them as nourishing herbal infusions: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/ . Indeed, she recommends them for various issues in her book The Childbearing Year...

If you're ready to go deeper with your herbal studies, join Susun on her new Mentorship website. Get new content weekly such as the expanded herbal ezine, replays of teleseminars, videos, audio of Susuns past lectures, many articles by Susun, and even personal one on one mentorship from Susun.www.wisewomanmentor.com

If you're ready to go deeper with your herbal studies, join Susun on her new Mentorship website. Get new content weekly such as the expanded herbal ezine, replays of teleseminars, videos, audio of Susuns past lectures, many articles by Susun, and even personal one on one mentorship from Susun.www.wisewomanmentor.com

January 14, 2015

I have been into/using herbs for a long time but in pregnancy I have so many questions about safety. I was given your childbearing year and have been studying it and other sources and so much is conflicting. I started making simple red rasp/nettle/chamomile tea, but then was told that rasp and nettle may make me contract and have a miscarriage. To only use after first tri.

So, in contradiction, the stuff that you are talking about says its fine through the whole pregnancy. I just want a clear answer if you have time to respond to me. I would appreciate it a lot as my hormones and brain have been feeling a little crazy.

-- Blessings, Samantha

Hello Samantha,

When it comes to pregnancy and herbs, you’ll find people erring on the side of extreme caution and in the end, of course, you have to go with what you feel comfortable with… I can tell you that these herbs are not on Susun’s list of herbs to avoid during pregnancy and she often suggests them for various uses during pregnancy as noted in her article here:http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm

These herbs would be in the form of the nourishing infusions – one of the safest and gentlest ways to include herbal healing and support. And best to avoid herbs in pill form…

If you're ready to go deeper with your herbal studies, join Susun on her new Mentorship website. Get new content weekly such as the expanded herbal ezine, replays of teleseminars, videos, audio of Susuns past lectures, many articles by Susun, and even personal one on one mentorship from Susun.www.wisewomanmentor.com

Not sure about the question in regards to vasectomy… Long term effects for the male? Susun references studies in her book, Down There, Sexual and Reproductive Health the Wise Woman Way that didn’t show any increases for prostate cancer in men that had received one… You are always welcome to call in to Susun during her free herbal health hotline and talk directly with her if you have a particular concern… Thank you!

Health hotline is held each Tuesday starting at 7:30pm – more info here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed

If you're ready to go deeper with your herbal studies, join Susun on her new Mentorship website. Get new content weekly such as the expanded herbal ezine, replays of teleseminars, videos, audio of Susuns past lectures, many articles by Susun, and even personal one on one mentorship from Susun.www.wisewomanmentor.com

December 05, 2014

I believe that I have genital lichen sclerosus; In Down There you discussed it and now I wonder if you have additional information about how to treat this persistent situation. The irritation seems to be less on a low acid diet.

I'll try to tune in on 12/2 so we can discuss this further.

Thank you,

Hello,

I haven’t heard anything from Susun other than what is discussed in Down There and since it is such a new book, not sure what she may have to add…. We do have some previous posts in regards to lichen sclerosus as well – not sure if you’ve see them or not but I am linking to them below. Hopefully you can call in as that is always best and Susun will be glad to discuss further. Thank you!

If you're ready to go deeper with your herbal studies, join Susun on her new Mentorship website. Get new content weekly such as the expanded herbal ezine, replays of teleseminars, videos, audio of Susuns past lectures, many articles by Susun, and even personal one on one mentorship from Susun.www.wisewomanmentor.com

November 25, 2014

I'm 24 y.o., got married thank God 12 months ago, and have been trying to have a baby since. I read your books, use the information, and pass it along. I'm in a confusing situation now so decided to write and hope you will be able to respond.
As of three weeks ago I was three months pregnant according to my missed period (and fertility signs). In the ultrasound a month ago they said the sack indicated a 5 week old baby, and then two weeks later, it was only the size of 6 weeks old but they couldn't see (or hear) anything other than the sack. A day later I started to spot, and two days later I began having terrible contractions and bleeding, and for the next several days I passed large portions of the clear, white-ish tissue which seems to have been the sack and placenta.

It seems that there probably was no baby inside (I believe its what people like to call false pregnancy?)
I'm now almost three weeks later and am still bleeding (however lighter). (it stopped for a few days, instead I had very thick yellow mucus) and now am bleeding again. first, I didn't go to a doctor because it seems they like doing procedures unnecessarily and it felt my body knew what it was doing. Is there anything that should be checked out? Second, is there anything I can do to help the bleeding stop? Should I look at it like postpartum hemorrhaging? For instance, I can take Sheppard's purse like you describe, but can that affect an embryo if I do get pregnant GW in a month?
Not sure if it matters, but since before I even knew I was pregnant I started drinking daily infusions of nettle, red raspberry, and red clover. I've been also taking a daily supplement of folic acid.

I really appreciate all the knowledge you share with us, women, and hope you will have the chance to answer me.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Adina

Hello Adina,
It sounds like you are taking good steps – as you intuited, our bodies do a great job of taking care of themselves and knowing what to do. Bleeding for the length of time that you are talking about it not uncommon and it can definitely take several weeks for a miscarriage to carry through completely. It sounds like the bleeding is not too heavy …? So, if it were me, at this point, I would feel okay about the process and do everything that I can to support my body – I would definitely be continuing with the nourishing herbal infusions, especially nettles and red raspberry -- making sure to include plenty of iron rich food and herbs to counter any issues from the bleeding – liver, leafy greens, yellow dock root (tincture or syrup) … Shepherds purse to help with bleeding if you feel needed. If it were me, I would also be taking Echinacea tincture to ward off any possible infection – as a preventative, you can use a dropperful in a glass of water twice a day for at least a week… If at all possible, take time for yourself – sleep, which is restorative for body and spirit, allow yourself to grieve and hopefully have yourself surrounded by supportive people.

You are welcome to call in during Susun’s radio program if you want to talk with her directly. She holds this each Tuesday evening from 7:30pm-9pm Eastern at (646) 929-2463.

If you're ready to go deeper with your herbal studies, join Susun on her new Mentorship website. Get new content weekly such as the expanded herbal ezine, replays of teleseminars, videos, audio of Susuns past lectures, many articles by Susun, and even personal one on one mentorship from Susun.www.wisewomanmentor.com

November 10, 2014

HERBAL BIRTH CONTROL

Herbal birth control is most effective when combined with knowledge of your fertility cycles, selective abstinence, mental control, and barriers to sperm. You may choose herbs to cause temporary or permanent sterility, to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg, to bring on a late menstrual flow, or to empty the uterus if you believe that conception has taken place. Although some of the herbs have potentially dangerous side effects, they are generally considered safe to use. Please respect their power.

Herbs which prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg do so safely and relatively painlessly by making the endometrium unsuitable for the growth of the embryo. They are taken before or after the unprotected fertilizing intercourse. Positive results are indicated by a normal menstrual flow at the normal time. Women say that when they have used these herbs their flow has been somewhat heavier and has contained more clots than usual, circumstantial evidence of a pregnancy that didn't take. As there's been no controlled study of possible side effects from long and regular use of these herbs, they should be used on a monthly basis. No known side effects accompany occasional use.

herbs used to bring on or promote a menstrual flow are known as emmenagogues. There are at least fifty in common use throughout the world.

If your period is a day or two late, an emmenagogue may bring it on. If you suspect before your menstrual flow is due that you may be pregnant and wish is not to be, begin drinking a menstrual promoter a week before your expected flow. Some Good Emmenagogues

Vitamin C - Ascorbic acid is the safest and reportedly most effective emmenagogue that can be used after the menstrual flow has failed to appear. Women report success even when three weeks "late." Six grams of vitamin C (6000 mg) is the daily dosage needed to abort. Take 500 mg every hour for 12 hours a day for up to six days. CAUTION: This dosage may produce loose stools.

A List of Emmenagogues

Don't exceed the recommended doses; many of these emmenagogues can cause strong side effects. The double dotted herbs (. .) are oxytocic; use only with focused attention and acute sensitivity to the body's reactions. The herbs in boldface will bring on a late period about 60% of the time if the expected flow is no more than two weeks overdue.

Herbs which promote strong uterine contractions can cause an early miscarriage or ab*rtion. Some uterine contractors are poisons, like Water Hemlock. Some herbs, such as certain seaweeds and pieces of Slippery Elm bark, are inserted into the os of the cervix to cause uterine contraction (and possible life threatening infection) by their irritating effect. Other herbs contain oxytocin, which encourages production of prostaglandins in the body; high levels of prostaglandins cause contraction of the uterus. A few herbs directly stimulate uterine contractions.If your period is no more than two weeks late, you can probably abort by using a uterine contractor alone or in combination with a strong emmenagogue. Some women report success even when four weeks late. Ab*rtion is a controversial subject, and herbal ab*rtions are not an easy solution to the issues involved. Any ab*rtion is physically, emotionally, and psychically stressful. If you decide that you are not going to nourish a life growing within, please seek a woman wise in the ways of bodies and feelings to help you.

Cotton root barkGossypium is reported to be the safest and most certain herbal abortifacient. I have tried to obtain some organic Cotton root bark for six years now, without success. My information on its effectiveness comes from a study done by a women's health collective in New Mexico. They used an infusion taken by sips throughout the day until the abortion was well under way. This is apparently a traditional method of birth control among Native Americans who grow cotton. Specific information on dosage and possible side effects should be available to women who live in the South and seek out a traditional healer or curandera.

Blue Cohosh rootCaulophyllum thalictroides is usually combined with Pennyroyal when used as an abortifacient. There are any number of ways to prepare and ingest this combination. Both Pennyroyal and Blue Cohosh are toxic in excess and can easily overtax the liver and kidneys. Headache and extreme nausea have been reported by many women using these herbs. This is a common remark: "I knew that if I could just drink one more cup of that infusion, I would abort, but I threw up every time I tried!" CAUTION: Do not use Blue Cohosh if you have low blood pressure.

° Emmenagogue Formulae - See Appendix II

Teratogens

Substances that cause birth defects are known as teratogens. You and the fetus are particularly sensitive to teratogens during the first five months of the childbearing year (the two months prior to conception and the first three months of pregnancy). Exposure to teratogens interferes with the rhythmic reproductive dance of your genes, chromosomes, and cells. The effects of this disruption include infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight, and a wide range of mental and physical deformities in your baby. This list of teratogens is based on Terata: A mother's Prenatal Health compiled by Jo Carrasco and Sue Keller. See References and Resources for reprint information.

October 29, 2014

I was wondering if you could possibly give me some advice. I have literally just found out that I am pregnant and after my water breaking early at 17 weeks in 2012 (pprom), I am really terrified. I am currently taking:

Is there anything that I can take that will help me further and to prevent pprom from happening again?

Thanks kindly Patrice

Hello Patrice,

I do hope this email is finding you well… Susun does recommend supplemental doses of Vit C and E to help prevent infection and bleeding – I don’t see Vit C on your list, so that might be something to add, 100mg of daily Vit C has been shown to help: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15817864?dopt=Abstract. I’d say that the amount is on the conservative side, as I’ve heard of women taking 1000mg, what you feel comfortable with, if too high of a dose for you, you would most likely have issues with loose stools.

Also using Echinacea tincture to help with infection as this is the major concern – you can take 5-10 drops 3 times a day… Vigilant hygiene, wiping from front to back, no intercourse, no baths… Membranes have a better chance of resealing if you are able to go immediately to bedrest, move as little as possible for the next 48 hours – use that time for visualization, picturing the membranes merging, healing with baby safe in its environment. Susun always recommends use of nourishing infusions as helping with a strong foundation for good health – both you and baby… Nettles, comfrey leaf and violet leaf infusions especially good. I also came across a study that shows gelatin as an ally – bone broths are deeply nourishing and an excellent way to add natural gelatin to your diet: http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/broth-is-beautiful/

We will also pass this along to Susun for further discussion on her blogtalk radio program – will send you a link once she is able to talk more about PROM.

If you're ready to go deeper with your herbal studies, join Susun on her new Mentorship website. Get new content weekly such as the expanded herbal ezine, replays of teleseminars, videos, audio of Susuns past lectures, many articles by Susun, and even personal one on one mentorship from Susun.www.wisewomanmentor.com